How soon before a meal should a client self-administer aspart insulin?

Aspart insulin is a rapid-acting insulin that is designed to be taken shortly before eating to effectively manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. The correct timing for self-administering aspart insulin is generally about 10 to 15 minutes before a meal. This allows the insulin to start working almost immediately, which helps to regulate the spikes in blood glucose that occur after food intake.

By administering it within this short window, patients can significantly improve their postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels. Taking it too early before a meal may lead to hypoglycemia, especially if the meal is delayed or if the person does not eat as planned. Rapid-acting insulins like aspart are specifically formulated for this brief pre-meal administration to provide timely action in managing blood sugar levels.